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Barefoot Contessa Crispy Roasted Kale Recipe

Barefoot Contessa Crispy Roasted Kale Recipe

The Barefoot Contessa Crispy Roasted Kale Recipe is a fantastic choice. This dish is light, salty, and very easy to make.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Baking
Cuisine Asian
Servings 5
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large bunch of curly green kale
  • 2 tablespoons good olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese optional
  • 1/2 lemon for zest

Instructions
 

Wash the Kale

  • Rinse the kale leaves under cold running water. Make sure to remove any dirt or sand from the curls.

Dry Thoroughly

  • Dry the leaves very well with paper towels. A salad spinner works great for this part. Any water left will make the kale soggy.

Remove the Ribs

  • Use a knife to cut out the thick middle stems. You only want the soft green leaves for this recipe.

Tear into Pieces

  • Tear the kale leaves into large, bite-sized chunks. Do not make them too small because they shrink.

Toss with Oil

  • Place the dry kale into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the top of the leaves.

Massage the Leaves

  • Use your clean hands to rub the oil in. Make sure every tiny curl is covered in a little oil.

Season and Spread

  • Sprinkle the salt and pepper over the oiled kale. Spread the leaves in a single layer on a tray.

Roast Until Crisp

  • Heat your oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are brown. They should feel airy and crisp to the touch.

Notes

  • Dry is best: Make sure the kale is completely dry before oiling. Wet kale will steam in the oven and stay soft.
  • Single layer only: Do not stack the leaves on the tray. If they overlap, they will not get that perfect crunch.
  • Watch the oven: Kale burns very quickly in the final minutes. Check them early to make sure they don't turn black.
  • Use good oil: Use a high-quality olive oil for the best taste. It adds a rich flavor to the simple greens.
  • Add flavor late: Add the lemon zest right after they come out. This keeps the citrus scent fresh and very bright.
  • Don't over-salt: The leaves shrink a lot as they cook. Use a little salt first and add more later if needed.
Keyword Barefoot Contessa Crispy Roasted Kale Recipe